HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesBoard of Appeals Minutes 1 July 8, 2015
BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
July 8, 2015
PRESENT: Robert Cornell, Tom Willadsen, Dennis Penney, Reginald Parson, Robert Krasniewski
EXCUSED: Dan Carpenter, Kathryn Larson
STAFF: Todd Muehrer, Associate Planner/Zoning Administrator; Brian Slusarek, Planning
Technician; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary
Chairperson Cornell called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared
present.
The minutes of June 10, 2015 were approved as presented. (Krasniewski/Parson)
ITEM I: 2200-2208 JACKSON STREET
Description Code Reference Required Proposed
Front Yard Setback (west) 30-25(B)(2)(c) 25’ 17’
Side Yard Setback (north) 30-25(B)(2)(b) 10’ 5’
Mr. Slusarek presented the item and distributed photos of the subject site. He stated that the property is
located on the northeast corner of the Jackson Street and Allen Avenue intersection and was zoned C-2
General Commercial District and is being used for commercial retail purposes. The site is developed with a
single-story building built in 2015 and the general area is predominately commercial in character. The
applicant is proposing to install a pylon sign in the northwest corner of the subject site and variances are
necessary because it will intrude into both the front and side yard setbacks. The proposed sign will be 16’ in
height and possess a double-faced identification sign cabinet which will be internally illuminated. The sign
placement is reasonable given the historical development pattern and overall limited size of the parcel and
safety will not be compromised as the proposed sign under clearance mitigates vision concerns for
pedestrians and motorists. An alternative location was proposed however it is not preferred as it would
encroach into the parking lot and conflict with drive lane and vehicle clearances while also hanging over a
parking stall. The proposed location appears to be the safest and most practical alternative and staff
recommends approval of the variances as requested.
Kelli Lax, Creative Sign Company, 505 Lawrence Drive, DePere, stated that staff adequately explained the
hardship regarding placement of the sign on the subject site and stated that there was no other location to
place it and they did not want it hanging over a parking stall as it would not be safe.
Mr. Parson questioned if the sign would be a distraction for motorists.
Ms. Lax responded that the sign would be internally illuminated but would not have any flashing elements so
it should not be a distraction and was no different than other signs in the same vicinity.
Mr. Krasniewski noted that the staff report was incorrect as it referenced the under clearance from grade to
the bottom portion of the sign as 18’2” and it should be 8’2”. He stated that he noticed both a sign at the
laundromat and at the bar in this area without the necessary setback and questioned if these signs were
grandfathered in as they were present prior to the current ordinance requirements.
Board of Appeals Minutes 2 July 8, 2015
Mr. Muehrer replied that he researched this area and found that 2201 Jackson Street, Choice Bank, received
a variance for the placement of their sign within the setback. The Clothes Hamper Laundromat and Kwik
Trip establishments also received variances and one other sign in the vicinity placed in the setback area was
grandfathered in. He found that variances were approved for signage for several commercial facilities along
this corridor so the approval of this request would be consistent with other variances granted.
Mr. Willadsen inquired what the nature of the business was at the subject site.
Ms. Lax responded that it was a multi-tenant structure and only one occupant was secured at this time.
Mr. Krasniewski commented that the owner may want to consider placing some type of protection around
the base of the sign such as a bollard on either side.
Mr. Parson questioned if the sign would withstand minor storms.
Ms. Lax responded that the engineer confirmed that it will withstand winds possibly up to 100 mph.
Mr. Cornell inquired if there was a curb cut near the proposed sign location.
Dan Osero, 2686 Towerview Drive, Neenah, owner of the property, stated that there was an existing curb cut
near this area.
Mr. Krasniewski discussed the dimensions of the sign and calculated that it should be placed about four feet
from the curb.
Ms. Lax confirmed this calculation.
Mr. Osero added that the sign pole is 25 feet from the right-of-way.
Mr. Krasniewski commented that there would be five feet on either side of the post supporting the sign so it
should be fairly well protected.
Mr. Muehrer stated that bollards are commonly used in parking lot areas for protection of a sign base but the
curb islands in this instance should provide adequate protection from vehicular impacts.
Motion by Penney to approve the request for variances to permit a pylon ground sign in the front and
side yard setbacks.
Seconded by Willadsen. Motion carried 5-0.
Finding of facts:
No harm to public interest.
Least variance required.
Consistent with rest of environment on Jackson Street.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:44 p.m. (Willadsen/Krasniewski).
Board of Appeals Minutes 3 July 8, 2015
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Muehrer
Associate Planner/Zoning Administrator